Real Madrid target Premier League star to solve defensive crisis

Carlo Ancelotti has urged the club to seek out a defender in the upcoming January transfer window to strengthen the squad ahead of the second half of the season. With Real Madrid facing defensive challenges due to the saturation of injuries, the Spanish side has their eyes set on a couple world-class talents.

Many question the squad's ability to sustain its current form throughout the season, particularly with a packed schedule and a growing injury list. Captain Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, two key defensive pillars for Carlo Ancelotti, remain sidelined with long-term injuries, pushing the Italian coach to seek a quick solution.

The Spanish giants have their eyes on several talented options, but Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be the top target. With only six months remaining on his Liverpool contract, the right-back could be the ideal solution.

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According to the Spanish publication Marca, Liverpool has turned down Real Madrid's initial offer of €10 (£8.3/$10.3) million.

Despite the price-tag dispute, Real Madrid is pushing for an improved bid revolving around €15 million to lure the 26-year-old defender over to the Bernabeu.

Both Real Madrid and Liverpool are locked in intense title races in their respective leagues, complicating negotiations.

Liverpool has been working relentlessly to extend Alexander-Arnold's contract, but no agreement has been reached. To make matters worse, Liverpool's right-back has expressed continued interest in Real Madrid's proposal, possibly looking to join his close friend Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.

According to Sports Illustrated, Liverpool faces an 'uphill' battle to secure Alexander Arnold, who might just be packing his bags this January.

If the early January negotiations fail, Real Madrid will wait to negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer move or pursue other targets such as Lisandro Martinez, Leon Goretzka, or Aymeric Laporte.

"I have been at the club 20 years now and I have signed four or five contract extensions... And none of those have been played out in public. This one won't be either," shared the Liverpool right-back when asked about his current link to Real Madrid.

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